Behind the Scenes at Pine Cliffs with Josué Rosa
As part of our Insider Interview series we regularly sit down with one of the team at one of the many retreats we have the privilege of working with and sending clients to. Today we catch up with Josué Rosa, Fitness Instructor at Pine Cliffs, a Luxury Collection Resort in Albufeira, Portugal.
1. Hi Josué! You've had a very impressive career so far - can you tell us how all of your years of experience have helped you in your role at Pine Cliffs?
I started my career in sports in 1994 in the Club Naval Povoense in my birth city of Póvoa de Varzim as a Sailing Coach. Since then I haven't stopped working with athletes and non-athletes alike. I think my role in Pine Cliffs and my career just makes sense if I mention all the teams I work with. The main point here its work with teams in different environments and roles to understand every department and gain knowledge to put your expertise in practice every day.
“Alone we can go faster but together we can go further”
2. What can guests visiting Pine Cliffs expect from the fitness programme and facilities this year - are there any new developments?
Guests can definitely expected well designed and customised fitness programs, delivered by a team of dedicated, well trained professionals who are 100% guest-centered. Within our fitness areas, we are always improving our services and equipment, we have a our new fitness studio where we hold our group classes and private sessions surrounded by our spectacular golf course.
This year we have a designed a bootcamp fitness programme which allows our guests to enjoy nature whilst exercising. The Active Bootcamp training circuit, inspired by military training techniques, includes a set of cardio, agility and strength exercises. Continuous and interval running, push-ups and burpees are just some of the activities offered to participants as they travel through a circuit that includes obstacles with barriers, weights, tires, ropes and other fitness equipment.
3. Lots of people make New Year's resolutions to do with fitness, what's one piece of advice you'd give when it comes to improving your fitness?
Before you embark on an exercise program, I would advise undergoing some general health examinations. Once these have been done I would say do a sport or program that you enjoy, believe in and feel passionate about. Be consistent and match your activity with a nutrition plan. I also recommend working with a fitness professional towards your goals. If you come to Pine Cliffs, you can also recover very well from your training in our Serenity Spa.
4. Is there a complementary nutritional element to the fitness retreats at Pine Cliffs?
Our nutritionist works with guests on fitness retreats to personalise a nutrition plan that matches their program. Specific dietary requirements are catered for and client requests are covered by your nutritionist and fitness professional.
5. What is your favourite thing about Pine Cliffs?
It's impossible to choose just one thing - Pine Cliffs has been my life for the last 6 years! The team I work with are passionate about fitness and like family. During my time at Pine Cliffs, I've had three children and made so many happy memories. Many of the guests that come to Pine Cliffs are like family too, coming multiple times a year - we are always so happy to welcome and see them again. I love the resort's beautiful surroundings and getting to work in nature every day. As the saying goes "Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life."
6. You're a keen surfer and bodybuilder - do you get much time on the waves at the nearby beach?
I started bodyboarding and surfing when I was 11 years old in my cold and windy hometown of Povoa De Varzim in the North of Portugal. I'm now 47 and still love my trips to Sagres surfing with my kids and wife at every opportunity I can. Every time I get there, I feel more alive. I love the smell of the sea, the sound of the waves and the energy in Sagres. Here at Pine Cliffs, we have the beautiful Falesia Beach, which is perfect for surfing - even in the winter!
About Josué Rosa
Josué is the Fitness Supervisor at Pine Cliffs, a Luxury Collection Resort. Heading up the dedicated Pine Cliffs Goes Active health and fitness centre, he oversees a wide range of activities, from high-intensity interval training, yoga and Pilates to Tabata training and capoeira. With nearly twenty years’ experience in the field, Josué is passionate about providing a fun, invigorating experience for guests and personally helping them to achieve their fitness goals. Before joining Pine Cliffs Resort, he held several personal training positions at five-star resorts across Portugal, building on prior professional experience as a military fitness instructor and physical education teacher. Josué holds a Sports and Science degree from the INUAF University of Portugal, and is qualified in a plethora of fitness disciplines, including personal training, surfing and bodyboarding (Level 2 – Portuguese Surfing Federation), scuba diving (level P1), hydrobike, fitbyke and sailing. He is also a qualified lifeguard and first aider. A talented surfer and bodyboarder, Josué was a surf coach at the Naval Club of Povoense for four years, and competed in 11 national and European bodyboarding competitions from 1995 to 2011, including the prestigious World Surf League Costa da Caparica Pro contest in 2011. He is also a member of several clubs, including the Lifeguard Association and Club de Surf at Póvoa de Varzim, the Portuguese Surfing Federation and Naval Club of Povoense
